Wonderland Awaits reveal more details

Step into a storybook this summer as Leeds becomes the stage for Wonderland Awaits, a spectacular, city centre immersive experience inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless tales.

From Saturday 26 July to Sunday 31 August 2025, Leeds city centre will be reimagined through the curious lens of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, with seven larger-than-life installations and a free family trail guaranteed to spark imagination, laughter, and discovery.

Follow the trail to finish the tale and encounter wonder on the way.

Presented by LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) and created by the world-class team at Cuddle Creative Works, Wonderland Awaits is set to delight all ages with interactive installations, theatrical performances, eccentric characters, a puzzle, and surprises around every corner.

7 LOCATIONS. 7 ADVENTURES.

Pick up a special map and let curiosity be your guide…

1. Down The Rabbit Hole – Leeds Corn Exchange

Wonderland Awaits for those brave adventurers who dare to follow in Alice’s footsteps and journey down the rabbit hole into a most strange and curious world. Just don’t be late!

2. Drink Me, Eat Me – Victoria Quarter

Experience reflection, illusion and transformation. Explore mind-bending visuals and interactive fun. Don’t forget to pick up a sweet treat for your troubles.

3. Advice from a Caterpillar – Merrion Centre

Prepare for a most odd encounter with a caterpillar, voiced by Marcus Brigstocke.
Expect sleepy wisdom and some curious advice.

4. The Cheshire Cat – location TBA 

Be sure to catch a glimpse of this not so purrrfect companion and he can help you to keep on track. You need to be quick, as he doesn’t stick around for long.

Listen closely for the iconic purr and voice of Tom Read Wilson as the cheeky feline.

5. Victoria Gate – The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Join the Mad Hatter, March Hare and friends for a wildly whimsical tea party. Expect giggles, riddles, and just a little madness. Look out for live performances throughout the day.

6. The Queen’s Croquet Ground – Aire Park

Try your hand at the Queen of Heart’s favourite game at the brand-new Aire Park. But be on your guard, you don’t want to lose your head! This is the first ever event hosted at Aire Park.

7. Jabberwocky – Royal Armouries 

Face your fears and meet the mythical monster in a dramatic, cinematic scene inspired by Carroll’s poem. A thrilling stop for brave adventurers.

A Cast of Characters, Puzzle & Prizes

Expect to meet some iconic characters, spot a grinning Cheshire Cat, be confused by riddles, and find clues hidden in plain sight. Complete the trail and you could be in with a chance to win weekly prizes, and a sweet surprise at the end! Listen out for some famous voices bringing the Wonderland characters to life.

• Marcus Brigstocke as the Caterpillar

• Tom Read Wilson as the Cheshire Cat

Both lend their charm and mischief to the trail’s immersive soundscapes.

Creativity Unleashed Across the City

Brought to life in collaboration with Cuddle Creative Works, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Conservatoire, the trail blends professional design with emerging creative talent.

🎭 The event also features:

• Craft workshops daily at the Wonderland Creative Hub in John Lewis and at the Trinity Leeds Craft Club. 

• Classic film screenings at Hyde Park Picture House (1951, 2010 & 2016 versions)

• A giant deck of cards above Briggate

• Surprise pop-ups and performances

Wonderland Awaits sees partners across the city getting creative and collaborating to bring the classic stories to life with Aire Park, Leeds Corn Exchange, Merrion Centre, Royal Armouries, Trinity Leeds and Victoria Leeds involved in bringing the magic to life. 

From Victoria Leeds to the Corn Exchange, the trail invites visitors to follow the white rabbit and discover seven interactive installations that bring Lewis Carroll’s curious world to life. “It gets people exploring the city, making memories and embracing their imagination,” says Jo Coburn, Centre Director at Victoria Leeds. The event builds on the huge success of last year’s MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover, which saw a record-breaking August for footfall. “Wonderland Awaits promises to be even bigger,” adds Jonathan Maud, Chairman of Rushbond. Lending their voices to the fantasy are actor and comedian Marcus Brigstocke, who plays a hookah-puffing Caterpillar, and the ever-eloquent Tom Read Wilson, who describes joining the cast as a dream come true. “I’ve been entranced by Alice’s world since I was knee-high to a grasshopper,” he laughs. 

LeedsBID’s Chief Executive, Andrew Cooper, sums it up best: “Wonderland really does await for those venturing in the city centre this summer. Leeds will be transformed into a magical playground ready for visitors to go down the rabbit hole to experience seven immersive experiences, meet some iconic characters, enjoy daily theatrical performances plus a host of additional Alice-themed activities.”

Discover the Trail

Wonderland Awaits | 26 July – 31 August 2025,  Free family fun across Leeds,  www.wonderlandleeds.com, Follow @wonderlandleeds for updates #wonderlandleeds